Parks Update: New Fall Hours, Outreach Resources & Community Partnership
Fields Park has continued to do well since reopening following the Centennial Mills demolition and its re-opening this summer from construction projects.
Tanner Springs and Jamison Square continue to be areas where our outreach team regularly interacts with people and provides resources. It is important to remember that Portland’s parks are public spaces, and unless someone is engaging in illegal activity or violating park rules, simply sleeping in a park is not illegal.
Centennial Mills Demolition Update
Since the Centennial Mills warehouse caught fire on August second, the City of Portland has been working with the property owner to remove the building safely. Starting Monday, August 17th, contractors are scheduled to begin demolishing the building.
Stories from the Streets: What Effective Humanitarian Outreach Looks Like
Stories from the Streets
The man lying across from the Fields Bar and Grill wasn't looking for help. Pearl Patrol had tried. Street Response had tried. But when Brendan from our NWCC Humanitarian OutreachTeam sat down beside him, something shifted.
NWCC Safety Summit: Building a Safer Pearl District Together
On Wednesday, July 15th, NWCC hosted the first of what we hope will be many Member Information Summits. This inaugural session focused on safety for multi-family, provided an opportunity to discuss how Echelon patrols the neighborhood, what types of situations the NWCC Hotline can assist with, and what our team can and cannot do in public spaces.
Lower Costs, More Opportunities: Portland's Street Activation Fee Waiver Program
The City has launched the Street Activation Fee Waiver Program. If you operate a sidewalk café within the I-405 loop, you could save over $800 in fees. Read on to see if you qualify, and how to apply.
NWCC Security Summit: Building a Safer Pearl District Together
On Wednesday, July 15th, NWCC hosted the first of what we hope will be many Member Information Summits. This inaugural session focused on Security for Multi-Family, provided an opportunity to discuss how Echelon patrols the neighborhood, what types of situations the NWCC Hotline can assist with, and what our team can and cannot do in public spaces.
Brendan Jamieson Joins the NWCC Outreach Team Serving Portland's Pearl District
A trusted new face focused on NWCC’s Humanitarian efforts.
The Northwest Community Conservancy (NWCC) is proud to welcome Brendan Jamieson to its growing Outreach Team. Over the past month, Brendan has been on the streets of Portland's Pearl District, with a focus on weekend mornings and evenings—the hours when community needs often peak and resources are hardest to find.
Safer Portland Ballot Initiative
A proposed ballot initiative would direct a portion of Portland Clean Energy Fund surplus revenues — now nearly $200 million annually — toward hiring police officers, reducing emergency response times, and expanding community mental health crisis response. Here's what you need to know and how to sign the petition.
Help Shape Multnomah County's New Website
NWCC is hosting a community feedback session in the Pearl District — participants receive a $75 gift card.
Multnomah County is currently working on a transformation of its website, multco.us, with the goal of making information, services, and resources easier for community members to find and use.
Acknowledging Sacrifice, Recognizing Current Hardships: Veteran Housing Instability
“This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. As we reflect on their sacrifice, let’s also remember the veterans in our community who may still need support, connection, housing, or care. Helping our veterans is one small way we can continue to honor their service beyond just one day. Thank you to all who have served and sacrificed.”
— Chase McPherson, Executive Director, NWCC
NW Northrup Shelter Poised to Close: A Community Update from NWCC
A Message from Executive Director Chase McPherson
Northwest Portland is facing another pivotal moment in how our community responds to homelessness, public safety, and shared well-being. As the City of Portland moves forward with the potential closure of the NW Northrup overnight shelter, it's critical that residents and stakeholders stay informed — and engaged.
At Northwest Community Conservancy (NWCC), we believe lasting solutions to homelessness require accountability, collaboration, and public input. Here's what we know right now, along with concrete ways you can make your voice heard during this important budget process.
Senator Reynolds to Meet with NW Community Regarding Harm Reduction and Syringe Services
Senator Reynolds, your state district representative, is hosting a Town Hall on Harm Reduction and Syringe Services. The Pearl District has recently seen an uptick in the pop-up model of syringe distribution. Our neighbors in the Stadium District have experienced firsthand some of the challenges associated with this approach.
Free Graffiti Removal by the City of Portland
Graffiti can show up overnight and make a property feel neglected. The City of Portland offers free graffiti removal for some properties, and NWCC’s Humanitarian Team is helping building owners, small businesses, and residents take advantage of it.
As our team patrols the district, they report graffiti they see to the city so it can be cleaned up as quickly as possible. When a property has a current approval form on file, the city can usually move much faster because permission is already in place.
Pearl District Bike Thief "Red Beard" Sentenced to Over Five Years in Prison
Daniel Gallagher, known throughout Portland's Pearl District as "Red Beard," was sentenced this week to 5 years and 5 months in prison, plus 3 years of post-prison supervision, for a years-long pattern of bike theft and residential burglary that left dozens of neighbors feeling violated and unsafe in their own buildings. For the Pearl District community, it is a hard-won moment of accountability, and a demonstration of what organized, persistent civic engagement can accomplish.
Meet Your Small Business Resource Team
Get free, one-on-one business support in the Pearl District! Join the Portland Office of Small Business on March 18 for drop-in help with permits, city resources, and more.
How the City of Portland Camera Registry Helped Resolve a Recent Pearl District Incident
Learn how the City of Portland Camera Registry helped resolve a recent incident near the Pearl District Safeway. Learn how to register your security camera and how it can help keep our neighborhood safe.
Be Aware: Exterior Outlets Can Attract Unintended Use
To help prevent unauthorized trespassing and loitering, property owners are encouraged to secure exterior electrical outlets by installing locking covers or turning off power when not in use. For more information or specific property safety recommendations, please contact Chase at chase@nwccpdx.org.
Streamlining Graffiti Cleanup in the Pearl District
The NWCC Humanitarian Team patrols the Pearl District daily, reporting graffiti to help keep our neighborhood clean. However, the City often can’t clean private property without prior written consent, which slows down the process.
You can bypass this delay by filing a Service Agreement today.
Cold Weather Outreach in Portland: How You Can Help People Stay Warm This Week
Stories from the Streets: Cold Weather Outreach and Immediate Needs During Freezing Temperatures
The NWCC Humanitarian team is actively conducting cold weather outreach, distributing coats, hand warmers, and shoes during freezing temperatures. Learn how to donate and support cold weather outreach.
Building a Stronger Pearl District Community in 2026
As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited about the possibilities for the Pearl District and the momentum building around NWCC’s humanitarian efforts. As a local nonprofit, we are committed to our community; the residents, businesses and visitors that make up this amazing place.